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Published on: August 8, 2014
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Urban effects on local cloud patterns.
Thuy Trang Vo1, Leiqiu Hu1, Lulin Xue2
1Department of Atmospheric and Earth Science, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35805.
Summary
Urbanization significantly alters cloud patterns, with most cities showing more daytime clouds year-round. Summer nights see increased cloud cover, while winter nights show a slight decrease, impacting urban climate.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Urban Climatology
- Remote Sensing
Background:
- Urbanization alters surface properties, influencing regional climate and hydrology.
- Urban heat islands and modified surface roughness impact atmospheric processes.
- Clouds are crucial for urban hydrometeorological cycles but are understudied in urban environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze satellite-derived cloud patterns over US cities to understand urban influences.
- To quantify diurnal and seasonal variations in urban-influenced cloud cover.
- To link cloud pattern changes to city properties, geography, and climate.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of satellite-derived cloud data over 447 US cities spanning two decades.
- Quantification of diurnal and seasonal cloud cover anomalies.
- Statistical correlation of cloud patterns with city size, surface heating, moisture, energy, and mesoscale circulations.
Main Results:
- Most cities exhibit enhanced daytime cloud cover in summer and winter.
- Summer nights show a 5.8% increase in cloud cover, while winter nights have modest suppression.
- Larger city size and stronger surface heating drive summer diurnal cloud enhancement; background moisture and energy influence seasonal anomalies.
Conclusions:
- Urbanization exerts significant, diverse influences on local cloud patterns, varying by time, location, and city characteristics.
- Mesoscale circulations interacting with urban surface heating can enhance nighttime clouds in warm seasons.
- Further research is needed on urban cloud life cycles and their implications for urban warming, radiation, and hydrology.
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